Viltez notes the little catch when the taller man apologizes, but it seems to be enough for the merchants. As the large man backs off Viltez steps slightly to the side, keeping an eye on both of them. [i]'That goodness that didn't escalate. When it's just a misunderstanding. . . .'[/i] His thoughts trail off when the tall man makes a pointed comment about respect. [i]'A part of me is starting to question his honesty'[/i] A few of those who'd gathered, mostly those who wanted to see a fight, wander off as the dark haired man rummages around in his bag. His hand snaps up to grab hold of Mr. Warren's shoulder, sensing the man's sentence isn't finished.

When the stranger produces a gemstone a few of the gathered people gasp. A couple of the girls press closer but pause as Viltez raises a hand. Mr. Warren steps forward and takes the gem carefully. He looks at it for a few seconds before turning to Viltez. Holding it out in his open palm he asks, “What do you say Tezy? You work part time at Corin's place, you know more about this stuff than I do.” Viltez nods and picks up the gem.

Holding it up to the light he checks the cut and clarity. As he turns it this way and that an odd feeling comes over him. Pausing his gaze slides over to the stranger. He catches his eye for a second before dropping his gaze and bringing the gem close to check it over carefully. [i]'I have the distinct impression that he really doesn't want to give this up. Something about his eyes. . . .Like this is really precious or something. Which is odd, it's a nice stone, but this cloudiness. . .'[/i] Looking back up at Mr. Warren he hands it over with a smile. “I think a fair exchange would be around three pounds of fruit for the ruby.” He gives the man a sly smile. “More than fair seeing as you now have something that, of put in the right setting piece, might give you that edge you've been looking for with Miss. Velmina.” 

The gathered crowd all laugh lightly at the faint pink that raises around the large man's ears at Viltez's comment. Most of them disperse, save for a couple who want to make purchases of their own from nearby stalls, and those who run the nearest stalls. With a cough Mr. Warren walks over to the edge of his stall and picks up a three pound bag and hands it to stranger. He looks the man strait in the eye and says, “I thank you to be paying like I asked, but no more of this taking a bite and putting it back. That's bad fer business.” And with that he moves back behind his stall to sort through his produce. 

Viltez chuckles and looks over at the taller man with a smile. “You were taking bites? I guess that's the best way to test a flavor, but if you like I can help you pick out the flavors you enjoy.” His tone is his usual warm and disarming one. Stepping over tot he stall he starts picking up the fruits one by one, smelling the skin carefully. “So what do you like? Tart? Sour? Sweet?”